How to Install Foam Bicycle Tires

Although airless tires were mercilessly panned by Sheldon Brown, many bicyclists have found them to be a welcome relief from leaky and flat tires.^{[1]XResearch source} Modern foam tires can, in fact, be lighter than the tubes and tires they replace and you can easily install them without any special tools.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Paddle

Remove the cap on the valve. Depress the valve to release the air from inside the tire.^{[2]XResearch source}
2
Insert a paddle under the lip of the tire. If you don't have a paddle, you can use another non-metal tool with a slender handle and no sharp edges.
- Some companies include an installation paddle with the tires, and you may also be able to buy one separately.
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Then remove the tire from the rim. Pry out both the old tire and tube. Your foam tire will replace both of these components.
4
Start seating the foam tire into the rim with your hands. Pick any point along the rim and do your best to squeeze the foam tire into it. It doesn't need to fit perfectly yet, but it should stay seated in the rim without having to hold it down.
5
Tie the tire in place. Once the tire is seated into the rim in one location, fasten it at that spot to keep it from slipping out during installation. A zip tie is the easiest way to do this. If you don't have a zip tie, tie it in place with string or fasten with duct tape.
- If the tire keeps popping out as you install, use more zip ties to fasten each section of the tire.
6
Seat the tire by hand as far as you can. Working around the diameter, you will find that somewhere past the halfway point, it gets difficult to push the tire onto the rim any farther. At this point, there are a few things you can do.
- You may need to squeeze in the edges with a durable plastic pry bar.^{[3]XResearch source}^{[4]XResearch source}
- Wipe the rim with liquid soap and water if you're having a tough time pulling the tire on. Mix ¼ cup (60 mL) of liquid hand soap or dish soap with 2 cups (480 mL) of water. Wipe this onto the rim before you continue installation.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Double-check that the tire is the correct size for your rims. Measure the width of your rims using calipers, and compare the result to the product info for your foam tires.
7
Lever the rest of the tire on with your paddle. Place the paddle between a loose section of tire and the rim. Hold the paddle end against the rim, and lever the paddle upward to stretch the tire onto the rim. Once it snaps onto the rim, repeat with the rest of the tire until the whole thing is seated on the rim. Work your way around slowly, only stretching on the next couple inches (several centimeters) at a time.
- It's helpful to use 2 paddles. Alternate keeping 1 still while using the other for leverage until you get the tire in place.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Tire Mounting Bar

1
Purchase a tire mounting bar. There are many different products labeled "tire installation tool." For this method, you'll need one that looks like a long metal bar with a "mounting guide" that slips over it. The mounting guide has a curved channel about the same width as your bike rim, so the tire can fit onto it.
- Look for this from companies that sell foam tires or tubeless tires.
After removing the old tire and tube, snap a section of the new tire into place and secure with a zip tie.
Fit the end of the bar over the wheel axle or quick release pin. The bar should rotate freely around the wheel without coming detached.
The mounting bar channel should face the same direction as the rim channel.
Fit a section of loose tire onto the mounting guide. Slide the mounting guide up near the rim, so the tire stays taut and secure in the mounting guide.
As you rotate the bar around the wheel, slip the tire off the mounting guide and onto the rim. Once some of the tire is seated, the tool should do most of the work for you.
If there are any loose areas, squeeze them down or push them into place with a plastic pry bar. Once finished, remove the zip tie and reattach the wheel to your bike.
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Tips

The website has many complaints against them lodged with the Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org/central-florida/business-reviews/tire-dealers/air-free-tires-in-new-smyrna-beach-fl-24000243/complaints.
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Double-check the size of the tires you're ordering, particularly the rim width and depth. Getting it wrong will cost time and money, shipping the wrong order back.
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There are several other types of installation tools for airless tires, but most are intended for wheelchairs. Some of these should still work, but read the installation guide before purchasing to make sure it will fit your size of tire, and that you can mount the bike tire onto the wheelchair tool (if required).
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Warnings

Riders over 100 pounds (45 kg) using solid rubber tires or foam tube inserts run a considerable risk of ruining the small parts of their wheels. Air acts as a great shock absorber, so while it may be appealing to never change a tube again, you lose a large amount of functionality and durability. It's far more time- and cost-effective to become proficient and confident in replacing and repairing tubes.
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